Mike, we're all just pushing you in different directions on very real needs we (in the Tri5 world) have for upgraded-stainless steel parts we desire.
Milling down a 5 or 6 foot wide block of raw stainless to make a polished bumper or dash insert or liftgate frame would definately be an investment of time and money for you.
But hey, we gotta ask so you can gauge interest...right?
Carry on. You're doing great work.
1957 Nomad- LS1/T56 on C4 chassis
1959 Fleetside Apache 1/2 ton, shortbed, big window, 327ci.
If I had to do it, it would be formed like they currently do but just using STAINLESS instead of steel. It's more for conversation if anything.
But forming stainless is a helluva lot harder than forming mild steel.
Mike, I assume your parts are made of billet stainless so there's a lot of waste, especially in things like your tailgate strikers. Have you looked into pre-forming the stainless before milling? Don't know how that would affect the cost. I'd really like to see the setup your guys use to machine these parts. Some parts obviously have to be milled from both sides.
56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax
Yea it's definitely harder to form stainless. Again, this is just all conversation . Not gonna happen
Yea I always discuss with the machinists different ways to cut costs. Both door and tailgate strikers get milled on top and bottom. The door strikers had a few different setups . He's using a 3 axis.
I initially wanted to form the tg strikers back in 2012 but I didn't like the price. Glad I went the machine route as it looks so much cleaner than stamped strikers . Not a fan of how they are pinched in the middle. Pretty crude looking .
Chevynut, didn't you mill tailgate hinges for ur nomad? I don't think I ever got to see them. Any pictures?
Yes I had a friend mill a pair out of steel with offset holes because I couldn't get the tailgate to fit right. However, once I started grinding gaps I went back to the stock hinges I had. I also have a pair of chrome ones, but I prefer that they don't stand out......would have liked to get rid of them altogether. That's something you should sell.
56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax
Look pretty badass polished up
That's too nice to keep your trunk closed.
56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax